''This will make it much more difficult for fast food chains to set up drive-throughs in the area,'' Mr Guy said.

Protesters in the serene town of Tecoma have been campaigning against the McDonald's push for a 24-hour restaurant since 2011 and have vowed to continue their fight until the restaurant closes.

The council amendment, which comes into effect this week, ensures new commercial developments respond to the town's existing character and enhance amenity. ''Buildings and works that comprise drive-through sales facilities are discouraged,'' it says.

Mr Guy said he was unable to intervene in McDonald's push for a Tecoma restaurant because he was unaware of the issue until it went to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

''Once there is a decision by VCAT I cannot overturn it,'' he said. ''There are tens of thousands of permits every year and I am not aware of them all.''

In 2011 the council unanimously voted against the fast food giant's proposal to open a 24-hour restaurant, with the application attracting 1170 written objections. But McDonald's successfully appealed the decision in VCAT.

Mr Guy said it would have been ''much more difficult'' for McDonald's to obtain a permit for its Tecoma restaurant if the planning amendment had been in place.

The decision gives council ''policy support'' on future decisions on drive-throughs, something it did not have when it considered the McDonald's, he said.

''This is the sort of decision that is best made by local councils and this is why we have accepted their recommendation.''

More than 3700 people signed a petition last year calling on the state government to change planning laws to prevent fast food chains being built in the Dandenongs. Council received 72 submissions in response to the amendment, with most raising concerns about more fast food restaurants in the Dandenong Ranges.

Yarra Ranges mayor Fiona McAllister welcomed the minister's decision, and said the new guidelines would ensure new developments fitted in with surroundings and improved the overall appearance of town centres.

''The design guidelines will make it easier for applicants to understand and consider council's design objectives before preparing their development proposals.''